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Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

A close-up of a single serving of apple crisp shortbread bars showing the thick apple filling and crumbly topping.
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You get the buttery richness of shortbread combined with a spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat topping in these easy-to-make layered dessert bars.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the shortbread base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 2 cups of flour and salt until just combined and a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Prepare the apple filling while the crust bakes: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
  5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked shortbread crust.
  6. Prepare the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup flour, rolled oats, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in the 1/4 cup cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple layer.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or slices for serving.

Notes

  • For a more intense spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves to the apple mixture.
  • If you prefer a softer shortbread base, you can bake the crust for 18 minutes instead of 15.
  • These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/apple-crisp-shortbread-bars/